Kidepo Valley National Park
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Our Take
Kidepo Valley National Park may not have as much to do as some of the others but its remote wilderness feel, serene landscape, huge herds of buffalo and elephant, and rich Karamojo culture make it our favourite.
On balance, favourite accommodation is probably a wild camp at Kakine Lookout overlooking the herds in the Narus Valley – but also a close tie with a rest night at Kidepo Savannah Lodge.
Kidepo Valley National Park
Kidepo Valley has a different sense of scale to the other Ugandan parks and an even bigger sky. Located at the remote north-eastern tip of Uganda, abutting South Sudan and Kenya, it is an adventure in itself to get there by road and trail. With plenty to see along the way, you are headed into the wilderness whether it be across the north of Uganda or through the east with a breathtaking volcanic landscape and the tribal lands of the ethnic Karamojong.
Formed by the Kidepo and Narus River valleys and nestled between the Lonyili Hills to the west and the Morungole Mountains to the east, Kidepo Valley is noted for its semi-arid savanna ecosystem. You are in an almost consistently beautiful setting with a real sense of Africa – perhaps in part why CNN rate it as the second-best park on the whole continent.
Wildlife
Kidepo is notable for its huge herds of elephant and especially buffalo which roam the plains of the Narus River valley. It is also home to giraffe, zebras, hartebeest and many other antelopes. These of course attract a range of predators including lion and leopard, and one of the few places in Uganda to perhaps find cheetah. Like most of Uganda it is a birdwatcher’s paradise with several species virtually unique to this area, including Karamoja apalis, black-breasted barbet, Egyptian vulture and pygmy falcon. A game drive in Kidepo is like non other in Uganda, typically vast, clear open landscapes with always something to see; scanning rocky outcrops for lion or leopard; drying wadis with animals congregating around the diminishing water holes.
Location
Kidepo is remote. Many forego the pleasures of a road trip in favour of taking a short plane ride, missing out on the adventure of getting there overland and the many excellent things to see and do en route. For us, a tour to Kidepo is always a circular route, usually clockwise, threading together the rhinos at Ziwa, the Nile at Murchison Falls, Kidepo, the Karamojong, Moroto, Pian Upe, Mount Elgon, Sipi Falls, Jinja and the Source of the Nile – not a bad agenda for a 7 to 10 day trip!
The Facts
- Gazetted as a National Park in 1962
- Covers an area of 1,442 sqkm
- 77 mammal species and 476 birds
- Elephant, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, hartebeest
- Lions, leopard and occasional cheetahs
- Ostriches and secretary birds
- Rich culture of two indigenous communities: the Ik and the Karamojong
Camping In Uganda;
Kidepo Valley NP
There are some great places to camp in Kidepo Valley, especially rewarded by spectacular sunsets, the brightest stars in the African night sky – with no significant lightspill for hundreds of miles – and the sounds of Africa all around.
There are two UWA campsites inside the park on two separate kopje lookouts – one at Nagusokopire and our favourite at Kakine. Both offer wonderful panoramic views over the park and the feeling that we might be the only people on the planet. These are great places to relax and unwind with the binoculars for the afternoon and to prepare for the night as the sun sinks slowly in the sky. Both attract any number of potential night-time visitors so we have a ranger and keep the fire going all night.
Nga Mora Wilderness Lodge also provides a great place for camping just outside the park with a friendly welcome, basic facilities and wonderful views.
Mid-Range Lodges
Our favourite is Kidepo Savanna Lodge located along a ridge in the Lonyili Hills with spectacular views over the valley below, especially from the restaurant bar situated at the highest point. Sel-contained banda tents, cleverly arranged to exploit the views. Great food and friendly service. Usually our first point of call after the long haul to get here.
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Do you want to include Murchison Falls NP in your custom-made safari? Then go to the Detailed Planner page where you can tell us all your likes and wishes and we will create a dream trip for you.